Scottish dry stone walls, known locally as ‘drystane dykes,’ are far more than simple boundaries. They are living monuments to an ancient craft, a testament to human ingenuity stretching back thousands of years. These impressive structures, built entirely of stone without mortar, shape the Scottish landscape and represent a tangible legacy of history, building techniques, and a deep connection to the land.
Dry stone walling is one of Scotland’s oldest crafts, with roots reaching back to the Neolithic period. Some of the oldest preserved dry stone walls in the UK, and indeed the world, are found at Skara Brae in Orkney, dating back an astonishing 5,000 years. These walls are powerful markers of a crucial transition in human history – the shift from a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a settled, agricultural society. The remarkable fact that these early structures were built solely with stones, meticulously joined without concrete or mortar, speaks volumes about the skill and resourcefulness of early Scots.
The ingenuity of these early builders is evident in the engineering principles still recognized by modern dry stone wallers. Features such as scarcement foundations, corbelled roofs, covered joints, level courses, and robust lintels are observed in various prehistoric dry stone constructions across Scotland, including the impressive Maes Howe monument in Orkney, dating back to around 3000 BC. The Ness of Brodgar, also in Orkney and from the same period, provides further evidence of this sophisticated craft.
Throughout Scotland’s history, the diverse agricultural environments and the availability of different types of stone have led to a variety of dry stone wall styles. Some walls were constructed using a few enormous boulders, while others were built from thousands of smaller, flat pieces of slate or greywacke. Regardless of the specific material, most walls are wider at the base, creating a stable structure.
Many of the oldest walls are known as ‘clearance cairns,’ formed from stones cleared from fields to make agriculture possible. ‘Consumption walls’ are another, similar type, so named because of the sheer volume of stone they ‘consume’ – a testament to the backbreaking work of clearing the land. These walls stand as a direct reflection of the landscape, built from the very stones that once hindered farming.
In lowland areas, ‘Double Dykes’ became common. These were built with smaller stones, often supplemented by quarried stone, and featured a core filling of smaller stones (‘hearting’) bound together by ‘through stones’ that spanned the wall’s width. ‘Feal Dykes,’ constructed from turf sods, were another early form of enclosure, although less durable than stone walls.
The Galloway Dyke evolved into a particularly refined and highly respected style, especially prevalent in southwest Scotland. It typically features a Double Dyke base built with smaller stones, transitioning to a Single Dyke construction in the upper section using larger stones. The top ‘cope stones’ were often ‘pinned’ with wedge-shaped stones for added strength. This distinctive design, with smaller stones at the base and larger stones above, provided shelter for sheep while the ‘tottering’ top discouraged them from jumping. Agricultural reformers of the 18th and 19th centuries praised the Galloway Dyke for its effectiveness and detailed specifications for its construction were established.
Building a dry stone wall is often likened to assembling a giant, three-dimensional puzzle. The ‘dyker,’ as the craftsman is traditionally called in Scotland, must carefully select and place each stone, finding the optimal balance and fit. The wall’s stability relies entirely on the weight and placement of the stones, without any mortar. Smaller stones fill the gaps, making the wall’s integrity a direct reflection of the builder’s skill and understanding of the stone.
A key tool of the dry stone waller is the waller’s hammer, used for shaping and setting stones. Lines and levels ensure the walls are built straight and with the correct ‘batter’ – a slight inward lean on both sides, making the wall wider at the base than at the top. This subtle feature is crucial for stability.
Despite its historical and cultural significance, dry stone walling faced decline in the 20th century. The rise of cheaper post-and-wire fencing offered a more economical alternative, and a decline in agricultural workers contributed to the neglect of many miles of walls. The cost of rebuilding or repairing dry stone walls is also considerable, influenced by factors like wall size, stone type, and labor. It’s estimated that there are around 180,000 miles of dry stone walls across the UK, a significant portion of which are in need of repair.
Dry stone walls are far more than functional constructions; they are thriving ecosystems, providing vital habitats for a wide range of plants and animals. The crevices and cavities within the walls offer shelter and nesting places for birds like wrens, robins, and pied wagtails. Small mammals, including field mice and hedgehogs, find refuge at the base of the wall, while insects and spiders thrive in the protected environment. In areas with limited tree cover, dry stone walls act as important corridors for biodiversity.
In regions with higher rainfall, dry stone walls become colonized by mosses and lichens. These not only add to the walls’ visual appeal but also contribute to biodiversity and even carbon sequestration, transforming the walls into ‘stone hedges’ that provide structure and shelter within the landscape.
Thankfully, there’s a growing movement to preserve and revive this ancient craft. Organizations like the Central Scotland Dry Stone Walling Association and the Dry Stone Walling Association (DSWA) of Great Britain, founded in Gatehouse, southwest Scotland in 1968, are actively working to promote dry stone walling. They achieve this by spreading knowledge, offering training courses, and supporting restoration projects. These efforts are crucial for ensuring the survival of this valuable skill.
The cultural significance of dry stone walling has been formally recognized internationally. UNESCO has acknowledged dry stone walling as part of Europe’s cultural heritage, highlighting its importance as a traditional construction method that reflects a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
If you’re inspired by the beauty and history of Scottish drystane dykes, there are many ways to connect with this enduring tradition. Consider exploring some of Scotland’s remarkable dry stone structures firsthand. Skara Brae in Orkney provides an unparalleled glimpse into the Neolithic origins of the craft, while the Galloway region showcases the distinctive Galloway Dyke. You could also:
The Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain and its Scottish branches offer training courses suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. These courses provide hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the craft.
Consider supporting organizations dedicated to preserving dry stone walls. Many welcome volunteers to help with restoration projects, providing a rewarding way to contribute to the landscape and learn practical skills.
Numerous online resources, books, and guides are available to deepen your knowledge of dry stone walling. Websites of organizations like the DSWA and its Scottish branches offer valuable information and insights.
Scottish dry stone walls stand as silent, steadfast reminders of a bygone era, connecting us to the past. They are not just walls; they are historical documents etched in stone, reflecting centuries of agricultural practice, land management, and skilled craftsmanship. They are also vibrant ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and contributing to the unique character of the Scottish landscape. By preserving and promoting the craft of dry stone walling, we ensure that this timeless legacy continues to enrich our lives and the lives of future generations.
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In Scottish Traditions